Wedding Videography
A helpful introduction to what a couple should consider when looking for a wedding videographer.
Planning a wedding is a huge and often daunting task filled with many questions that all need thought and time. Whether you decide to opt for a wedding planner to help you through the process or choose to make the decisions yourself, there are countless ideas and options to be considered. How to choose the right wedding videographer is definitely an important one.
Why do I need a video?
Wedding videos is one of the best ways to preserve the memories of one of the most important days of your life. With all those nerves in the air and so many things going on from the time you first get up, the day can be over in a flash. Opting for a professional wedding video allows you to keep those memories alive for the rest of your life and will capture all those precious moment that you might have missed throughout the day.
So where do you start?
I would advise you to do some research. Have a look online, ask your friends and family for recommendations, or take a trip to your local wedding fair. Once you have found a few companies you like the look of, dig a little deeper.
Watching a company's showreel or reading their testimonials can be a good place to begin.
What happens next?
Make sure to meet with your videographer in advance and be prepared to go over the details before making your final decision. Go into detail about your wedding plan and what tone you have in mind for the day. Ask lot's of questions and know what to ask.
There are many elements to consider and it's your choice how much you want to capture. Videographers are trained in being discreet and non-intrusive, but if you are worried about being on camera, talk about this with your videographer and let them put you at ease.
Think about what should be included in your video. Do you want to keep hold of those personal moments when you are first getting ready? Those little details that your partner might miss? Getting to the church, saying your vows, the fun filled speeches, cutting of the cake and the first dance. What about adding some messages from your visitors? The list is endless and good videographers will make sure that these important elements are included and captured in a way to suit the tone of your wedding.
How much will it cost?
Don't be afraid to talk about budgets. You want someone who will be honest with you about what you can afford and who can find options or alternatives you'll be happy with but also bear in mind that you usually get what you pay for.
Prices can vary a great deal and the final cost usually comes down to the technicalities of the video. Sound is essential to getting a quality wedding video and always worth spending a little more on. There is no use having a pretty wedding video if you can’t hear the speeches or the beautiful moment when you say “I do”.
Microphones are the best way of getting good sound and your videographer should use many microphones strategically placed. Lapel mics will not always be enough.
Another factor is how many cameras to use. I would not recommend agreeing to a wedding video with someone who is only using one camera. You may get the main moments on film, but will only ever have it from one angle at a time and will not have the view of both the bride and groom for example. Two to three camera crew will allow for many more options and help to create a fuller and more beautiful video memory.
Article by Petra Tiziani, ID Arena